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You have probably never heard of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS, even though it affects many people, including teens, and was identified in the early 1990s. The National Dysautonomia Research Foundation describes children with these disorders as invisible to outsiders, who may think that they are faking their symptoms. That it isn’t more well known can be even more frustrating because POTS can cause such debilitating symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and fatigue....

The term prophylaxis means preventive. It comes from the Greek word “phylax,” meaning “to guard” and “watching.” Prophylactic treatment is used in healthcare to preserve health and prevent the spread of disease. People often associate the word prophylactics with condoms. Condoms are prophylactics that protect the user against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevent pregnancy. Prophylactic medicine includes vaccines and medications that prevent an illness or a recurrence of a condition (migraines, seizures, etc....

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare interstitial lung disease that commonly develops in young adult smokers. It is also known as eosinophilic granuloma of the lung, pulmonary Langerhans cell granulomatosis, and pulmonary histiocytosis X. Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell that normally destroy foreign substances to protect the body. In PLCH, abnormal infiltration of Langerhans cells destroys the tips of lung airway branches (distal bronchioles) progressively. It first causes cysts (sacs filled with liquid or air) to form, followed by granulomas (masses of inflamed tissue)....

A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone, a kidney bean-shaped bone that sits below the thumb and is part of the wrist joint. Scaphoid fractures are most commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. This type of break often causes pain and swelling on the thumb side of the wrist. Cast immobilization is typically recommended for this type of fracture, but this can vary. Since scaphoid fractures can take a long time to heal, and may not do so completely, surgery may sometimes be required....

Sepsis is a very serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a localized infection, like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or surgical wound infection, moves into the bloodstream. As the infection spreads, the body launches a massive inflammatory response, causing symptoms like a fever and a fast heart and breathing rate. If untreated, sepsis may progress into septic shock, which causes low blood pressure and subsequent multi-organ failure. Treatment of sepsis and septic shock requires treatment of the underlying infection, as well as interventions to alleviate the effects and to prevent organ damage....

Sideroblastic anemia occurs when iron is not properly incorporated into the red blood cells. It can develop due to hereditary conditions or due to certain medical problems. “Anemia” is a general term for conditions in which there are lower numbers of healthy red blood cells than normal or they don’t carry oxygen efficiently. This condition can cause symptoms commonly associated with most types of anemia, such as fatigue and light-headedness. The diagnosis of sideroblastic anemia involves blood tests that evaluate characteristics of red blood cells, and other diagnostic tests can help identify the cause....

Connection is an essential part of the human experience. We desire connection, and, in many ways, we’re hardwired to be social. Yet, at the same time, people may enjoy some time alone to rest, reflect, and recharge. This differs from pulling away from your support system and intentionally avoiding opportunities to interact with others. When a person removes opportunities for socializing, they may be experiencing social withdrawal. An integral aspect of development is learning to socialize and create relationships with others....

Healthcare needs, whether yours or a loved one’s, can be a challenging and sensitive topic to discuss. Starting the conversation might seem like the most daunting part, but there are several “traps” or pitfalls that could derail your chat or make it less effective. You might broach the conversation and discover they simply don’t know what their health risks are. Sometimes, people respond with embarrassment or defensiveness, especially if they are concerned about being judged for their decisions....

What Is Tricalcium Phosphate? Tricalcium phosphate is a supplement form of calcium phosphate used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency. It is also used as an anti-caking agent in powdered food items and as an additive in some processed foods to boost calcium content. Several forms of calcium supplements are available. Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate are the most common, but tricalcium phosphate is another option. Tricalcium phosphate does not offer any advantage over other calcium forms....

Vitiligo and albinism may appear similar, but the two are not the same. Both vitiligo and albinism develop because of issues with melanin production. The two conditions also have a genetic component when it comes to development. Read on to learn more about vitiligo and albinism and the difference between the two conditions. Vitiligo vs. Albinism Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease and skin condition that develops when the body loses melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment that gives skin its color (melanin)....

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which a person has a distorted body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and engages in activities contributing to more weight loss than is considered healthy for their height and age. Anorexia can be hard to treat, particularly as people with anorexia (especially adolescents) often deny that they have a problem or do not see the dangers in their behaviors. Fortunately, with the use of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication, recovery can be achieved....

Sudden chest pain is a common cause of emergency room visits. While it may be reasonable to assume that a heart attack is to blame, around 58% of cases have nothing at all to do with the heart but are rather due to an anxiety attack or panic attack. During an anxiety attack, your brain sends a rush of the stress hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol through your body, causing your heart rate and blood pressure to rise....

Crisis pregnancy centers (also known as pregnancy resource centers or CPCs) are facilities that try to attract pregnant women who are at risk for abortion. They often advertise and name themselves to give the impression that they are neutral healthcare providers. But the majority of these crisis pregnancy clinics have an anti-abortion philosophy. Beware of Crisis Pregnancy Centers Crisis pregnancy centers may use names like Crisis Pregnancy Center, Pregnancy Counseling Center, Pregnancy Care Center, Pregnancy Aid, or Pregnancy Resource Center....

Seeing bloody discharge when you’re not expecting it can be alarming. But bloody discharge can be normal and isn’t always a sign of an emergency. Age, lifestyle, and medical history all come into play when determining the cause of bleeding. This article will explain common causes of bloody discharge, when to see a healthcare provider, and how to treat or prevent it in the future. Causes of Bloody Discharge Bloody discharge does not always indicate that something is wrong....

Sleep issues are very common for people with cancer. Up to 95% of people experience sleep disturbances during cancer treatment and recovery. One study reported that over half of women with breast cancer experience poor sleep quality. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, as well as anxiety, depression, and other conditions, may disrupt sleep for some people. A good night’s sleep can help you cope during cancer treatment and is also linked to the overall quality of life in people with breast cancer....

As part of the treatment regimen for breast cancer, your oncologist (cancer specialist) may prescribe chemotherapy. Chemotherapy refers to medications that are often given intravenously (through an IV in a vein) to kill cancer cells. One of the ways chemotherapy can be administered is through a chemo port. A chemo port is a device that’s implanted under the skin. It allows for the transmission of chemotherapy and other fluids into the bloodstream....

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where there is compression of the median nerve. This nerve is located on the palm side of the hand. CTS can affect one or both of your hands. CTS is common in pregnancy and can occur in 31% to 62% of people who are pregnant. Researchers aren’t sure why CTS is so common in pregnancy. They speculate that pregnancy-related hormones might contribute to increased swelling throughout the body....

A clinical social worker is a healthcare professional who provides physical health, mental health, family and child welfare, and correction support services and treatment by using psychosocial approaches. Clinical social work includes advocacy work with local, state, and federal agencies that are client-centered to provide people with information and referrals and guide them through processes. Additionally, clinical social workers work alongside other members of the healthcare team to promote a person’s overall well-being....

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves. They each emerge separately from the brain stem, which is the lower part of the brain that links the brain with the spinal cord. Each cranial nerve has a specific set of functions. Some of the cranial nerves control sensation, some control muscle movement, and some have both sensory and motor effects. Several of the cranial nerves run through bones in the skull. The cranial nerves can become temporarily or chronically impaired as a result of illness, infection, inflammation, or head trauma....

Treating eczema can be very difficult. About half of people living with eczema have found treatments ineffective. New treatments for eczema are always being developed. Participating in eczema clinical trials or atopic dermatitis clinical trials can help bring new treatments to market and may provide relief from your symptoms. This article will cover what you need to know about finding an eczema research study and the pros and cons of participating in a clinical trial....